I understand that my day would have gone a lot smoother if I had agreed to
let loss prevention inspect my bag. I understand that my day would have gone
a lot smoother if I had agreed to hand over my driver’s license when asked by
Officer Arroyo. However, I am not interested in living my life smoothly. I am
interested in living my life on strong principles and standing up for my rights
as a consumer, a U.S. citizen and a human being. Allowing stores to inspect
our bags at will might seem like a trivial matter, but it creates an atmosphere
of obedience which is a dangerous thing. Allowing police officers to see our
papers at will might seem like a trivial matter, but it creates a fear-of-authority
atmosphere which can be all too easily abused.
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A really interesting story.
Life can be a lot easier if you just give in to others. Taking a stand for your principles and what you believe in is often a lot harder. But I believe it’s worth it.
Do you? Are you willing to take that kind of stand for your beliefs and principles – even if it means that your life might be more difficult?
